New Delhi | WTNS | May 25:India observed one-day state mourning on Tuesday, May 21, as a mark of respect for the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Monday, “H.E. Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and H.E. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, have passed away in a helicopter crash. As a mark of respect to the departed souls, the Government of India has declared a one-day state mourning on May 21, 2024 (Tuesday) throughout the country.”

“On the day of mourning, the National Flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment on the day,” the MHA said in a statement.

Following the death of President Raisi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences. He said India “stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.”

In a post on X, PM wrote, “Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow.”

PM Modi’s last meeting with Raisi was in August 2023, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed bolstering bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, encompassing trade and investment, connectivity, energy, and counter-terrorism.

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu conveyed their condolences to the government and people of Iran. External Affairs Minister visited Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi on 21 May 2024 to convey India’s condolences on the tragic loss.

The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar termed Raisi’s death “shocking”.

In a post on X, EAM wrote, “Deeply shocked to hear of the passing away of Iran’s President Dr Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H Amir-Abdollahian in the helicopter crash. Recall my many meetings with them, most recently in January 2024. Our condolences to their families. We stand with the people of Iran at time of this tragedy.